Rejected Luna Love

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

After making sure everything was in order, I returned to my shop. Everything looked wonderful; a few finishing touches, and I would have felt at home in my new beginning. Everything else, I hoped, would work itself out. Even if the coffee shop was full, I felt confident that my business would do well.

An hour later, the sign installer arrived at the shop. Is it time to witness your masterpiece? His face lit up as he uttered it.

With a broad grin on my face, I reply, "I am." I said with a chuckle, "I am nervous too."

"Don't be; you chose the perfect name," he reassured me as he led me outside. He pulled me in closer and remarked, "Just like the sunset, the colors are coming out perfectly."

My stomach dropped as I raised my eyes to the sky. I couldn't believe how well the sign was illuminated. I was at a loss for words; it was so moving. My shop used to be here. I was incredulous that this was not a dream; this was actually happening.

This is excellent!" Clapping my hands, I exclaimed, "This is happening for real. In a genuine sense, I had become the shop's owner. My sign would be visible to passing motorists, and I would hope that some of them would stop to buy some tea. Because it was New York and I wasn't absolutely positive that I'd picked the right state for this, I still had my reservations.

He congratulated me and said, "I hope this brings you millions of dollars." He then walked away, leaving me in the dust. Astounded, I stood there for what seemed like an eternity. When I finally did, it was after hours. When I returned to the shop, my grin hadn't faded. I've chosen to open the shop tomorrow in the hopes of attracting customers.

The shop closed, and I headed out to the nearby shops to check what kind of holiday decorations they had to offer. Nobody could dampen my enthusiasm; I was filled with butterflies and realized this was just the beginning.

I went to a craft store that happened to be nearby and found just what I was looking for. I got a shopping cart and loaded it up with necessities. Keeping in mind that it was only temporary (a matter of months), I managed to keep my sanity.

I quickly returned to my shop, whereupon I flung open the door and went inside. As I danced around, I spread out the browns and oranges until the room was a riot of color. Everything was perfect, and I couldn't have been happier. I couldn't wait until tomorrow to start exploring the area and meeting the locals.

As I closed the door behind me, I took one last look around the business, anticipating with excitement the arrival of tomorrow's first customers. As afraid as I was, I knew everything would be fine. As usual, it felt like my first day at work. I expected everyone to share my enthusiasm. I burst into tears.

Someone mumbled, "Excuse me."

My stomach dropped and my heart leapt as I spun around to face the man in the dark cloak. He had dark eyes and a dark head of hair. He didn't crack a smile, and he didn't move from where he was standing.

I apologize; I didn't intend to frighten you. He flashed his badge and introduced himself as Detective Marks, but I couldn't make out the name.

I said with a hesitant smile, "Um, hi." I didn't know why a detective was standing before me.

As he approached me, I wondered if he was going to make an arrest or if something had transpired in my absence. He gestured toward the tea shop and added, "I am going to each store owner, and I am guessing you are the owner of this store."

What the heck is going on here?" I said this as I unlocked my car door. I wanted to get in the car and leave, but the dude gave me the creeps. He displayed his badge so rapidly and didn't act like an officer that I wasn't convinced he was one.

He cast an eye toward the coffee shop, and I wondered if he was trying to tell me something by doing so. He cleared his throat and replied, "Oh well, there is a crime family in the area, and they are looking into these stores to possibly rob them." I was handed a picture, and he stated, "I just wanted you to be aware of them." He had pulled it from the inside of his jacket.

Looking at the photo and then at him, I said, "Thanks," though I had no idea who he was. In the dark, I felt like someone was watching me. She looked at the photo and declared, "I don't know this person."

He might not have stopped by, but I thought you should know who he is in case he ever does. Again, I'm sorry for scaring you," he added, stepping away from me so I could get in my car and drive away. "If he does, please call me as soon as you can," he continued, pulling a card out of his pocket and offering it to me. I gave a wry smile and sped off in my automobile. He was standing on the sidewalk, staring at me. There weren't any other vehicles in sight, so I had no idea where he'd come from.

Something about him seemed strange, so I kept an eye on him until he disappeared. I had no idea who was depicted in that photo. I was concerned that this wouldn't be the last time we crossed paths; in fact, I was convinced that he would continue to bother and disturb me. Despite the fact that the man in the photo didn't appear dangerous, I couldn't help but feel threatened.

Gerald’s Pov

I felt envious as I watched the woman and the man who put up the sign engage in friendly conversation. I really wanted to go over and tell him to stop flirting with her, but happily, he didn't. Now that she's gone, I can focus again, and Jack and Ryan are coming over tonight to try to figure out where she lives and what her daily schedule is like.

"To this day, I do not think it is a good idea to stalk the person," Micah stated as he walked up to me.

I responded to him, "Well, good thing you're not the Alpha," without making eye contact. "I have a feeling about her, something unexplainable, and until I figure it out, she needs to be protected," I replied to him, looking at her. You are not to question me if I tell you that I believe you will be the one stalking her.

Micah's arms were crossed because he was irritated by my condescension, but he also knew better than to bother me when I was in a bad mood. "You'd assign me to babysit?" he asked with a raised brow.

You can count on me to join in if you don't stop griping. The tension in my jaw grew as I continued, "I can't wait till the boys are there. It would make me feel better to know at least where she lived and that she was protected, at least from our point of view. I'll even make you buy things for her and give them to her. There was something about her that gave me an uneasy sensation in my stomach, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Never before have I seen you behave like this, Gerald. How come? Crossing his arms, he made his point.

I got the impression that Marks was going to try something s****l with her from the way he was staring at her. I looked at him and remarked, "Even my wolf seems off.hing s****l with her from the way he was staring at her. I looked at him and remarked, "Even my wolf seems off." We both knew better than to argue with our wolves; they always knew when something was amiss. I first saw Drew, and she immediately began acting strange. We didn't even need to get close to her to realize she was different.

Micah looked out the window and remarked, "You know I'm going to go over there and see what she is about." "Have we heard when she plans to reopen the shop?"

"No," I mused, glancing back out the window. "She's back." A grin formed on my face. Soon, I'm sure; her enthusiasm is palpable. It might be as soon as the following day; she's almost finished. It would appear that she is finishing up the store at this time.

He snarls, "Good, I need to settle whatever you are feeling because you are not acting like an Alpha, you are acting like a pup." " But if anything does happen, at least we'll be ready. After promising that the boys would arrive in an hour, he left the room.

The number of patrons dwindled as the evening progressed. Jake and Ryan found me hanging out near the glass.

"We're here, Alpha," Jake bowed.

I looked at him and said, "The girl across the street—you two need to figure out her routine and find out where she lives." "We'll find out why the vampires are interested in her later."

Or so Gerald thinks," Micah replied as he leant against the counter. But be careful that she doesn't realize you're following her; human beings are easily alarmed. To stay out of sight or hidden. Keep an eye on her and make sure she is okay until Gerald gets over her.

"Can I speak openly?" Ryan questioned.

"You may," Gerald answered dismissively.

Is she your soul mate? Taking a big breath, he continued. The warriors knew better than to interrogate me, but their inquiry was reasonable. It was a question I couldn't avoid, but one to which I didn't know the answer.

Since Gerald's wolf was being nuts, he didn't respond right away. There was a part of him that hoped she was, but he had no idea. "No," he looked at him and stated firmly. His jaw clenched as he looked back out the window and added, "But there is something." With a roar, he called out, "Marks."

All eyes were on the scenery outside. Without turning to face them, I told them, "You see, now that the vampire is interested, you two head out to the back shift and follow her."

To keep from moving and attacking Marks with the intention of hopefully killing him, I needed everything I had. I was curious as to the nature of his conversation with her. I was curious as to what he was demonstrating to her. I was fuming with rage at this point.

Micah put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Gerald, calm down. When you're angry, you can't control your wolf." It's excellent that you sent Jake and Ryan to keep an eye on things, and if you're still afraid, I can go along. "We will know what he is talking to her about, don't worry."

Looking at him, I responded, "No, I need you to keep tabs on the vampires." I'd love for you to go over and insist that she come talk to us, but it's not possible at the moment. I glanced at him and said, "We will figure out a plan of action, but right now we should close up." "Come, Marks is watching," I said as I walked away from the window.

We had to shut down the cafe for the night, but by tomorrow everything will be in order. Whatever Marks had in mind for us involved turning us against her, so that's where we had to make our initial appearance.

I didn't feel like driving, so I let Micah take the wheel of the SUV. I kept picturing her expression, which seemed to be a mix of fear and anger at Marks. Since he looked over at our store with a grin on his face, I wondered whether he was telling her a lie about us. Her gaze was fixed solely on him and the item he had presented her with.

Micah reassured Gerald, "Don't worry, we'll figure this out," as we entered pack territory.

I said nothing because I knew he wouldn't let this go and because maybe, after seeing Marks with the girl, he felt the way I did. Perhaps Zack and Ryan will return and tell me I'm nuts for overthinking the situation.

Micah looked at me and said, "They made it back to her apartment; Marks went back to his lair." What Zach said.

We headed to my office. I was still really anxious and wished I could take Drew running right then, but that would have to wait. I need to conduct some reflection and make a strategy. "Good. "Still, I need to know what the hell it is that vampire wants, because I'm sure he wants something," I muttered as I sat in my chair. I had to contact her right away.

Micah joked, "Good, finally some peace of mind. "Time tomorrow?"

I snarled, "No," emphatically. I leaned back in my chair and said, "I need to figure out Mark's moves first; I don't want to put us out there if we don't need to be out there." The vampires have no reason to be interested in her."

She's human, and she's just moved here. No one would report her missing if they didn't know she was gone, right? Micah said it with a rolled eye. He threw his hands in the air and yelled, "You need to get laid, really, or find your mate something." As he walked out of my office, he stated, "I'm going to find my mate; I need a good massage."

So, did you learn anything else about the vampire? I directed you to Zach.

No, everyone has dispersed. Marks probably doesn't know where the girl lives, but he's a cop, so he'll figure it out.

Keep an eye on him. I need to know his whereabouts.

"Are you certain that this Alpha poses a threat?"

I looked down at the papers on my desk and said, "I don't know; Micah is going to her shop tomorrow and talk to her and see if he can gain information, and we'll go from there." Maybe I should just have a discussion with her and end this whole thing now that I realize how ridiculous my actions are. So, it's official: I'm a stalker.

"She made it home safe; the girl is beautiful," Ryan stated as he linked me to him. "She has a different smell; she doesn't smell like a wolf, but she doesn't smell like a human."

"Really? Inquired I.

He said, "Yeah, I'm not sure how to explain; you will have to smell her when you meet her; she is interesting and looks like she lives alone." I'll keep an eye out, but I don't think there are any vampires in the area, and if there are, they're keeping quiet.

"Return here; they won't enter her room until invited." You'll head out bright and early to see that she gets to her shop without incident.

"Understood."